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Monday, February 27, 2012

When I ordered from Missha end of last year, they gave me a sheet mask. I decided to review it not only for my readers, but for myself as well. I have a tendency not to remember how I felt about the sheet masks. Being able to look at my reviews on my blog helps me to either to order some more or not. I hope it helps you as well! :)

Thoughts: I love receiving sheet masks, because it gives me an opportunity to try things I really wouldn't have. Sometimes I'm blessed to find new products I love, and know to order it for the future. I'm thankful for the opportunity to try this mask.

First of all, I will start with the size of the sheet mask. I'm not too sure why the width of the sheet mask is so wide (ear to ear). It covered my hair on the side of my forehead, as well as, the side of my face. Since it covered the hair, a minute or two into wearing the sheet mask it would fall and not grab onto the hair. It was extremely uncomfortable since I was doing stuff on the internet while wearing the sheet mask. This mask is made for people who lay on their bed resting. It's definitely not made for someone not resting like myself. :X

The length of the nose part is also short. It did not fully cover my nose which is shocking since I do not have a bridge. I have the typical, flat Asian nose.

Other than the size, I'm pretty content with the fabric of the sheet mask. Some masks leave residue from the fabric. I can feel the cotton on my face once I'm done with the sheet mask. This did not!

Secondly, I will talk about the feel of the sheet mask. It's very refreshing, cooling and I can feel the essence. Some masks are dry even from the start because it does not have enough essence. That's not an issue with this mask. It lasted the whole 30 minutes of using this mask. I was even able to pat the essence left over from the sheet mask onto my skin. The only thing is a lot of masks have essence left over in the package. You can use the left over essence on your neck and chest. The package did not have enough to pat it onto my neck. If I can wish for something, I would wish it had a little bit more essence so I can use it for my neck and chest.

Lastly, I was pretty content with the result. My skin felt soft and glow-y right after the mask, as well as, the next morning. It also hydrated my face.

Pros:
* You need to lay down for the mask; get real rest.
* Good fabric; does not leave residue.
* Good enough essence for the face.
* No scent.
* Leaves skin soft.
* Hydrating.
* Skin looks glow-y.

Cons:
* Width of the mask is too wide.
* Length of the nose is too short.
* Does not stick on the hair.
* Not good for multi-taskers.
* Not enough essence left over in the package.

Would repurchase: No.Rating: 2.5/5 Tobey's Paws

Speaking of sheet masks, I received some from a friend and family that I got to try out.

Luna gave me My Scheming sheet masks in Camellia Japonica Hydrating (beige), Bulgarian Rose Whitening (pink), Bird's Nest Collagen (light blue), and Puli Ginjo Sake Kasu (yellow). I've been curious about My Scheming masks. I heard great things about this brand, and now I can understand why. They fit great on the face, hydrating, and lots of essence to work with.

Thank you Luna!!! :)

My sister-in-law got me this, ESL Essence Mask Pack in Coenzyme Q10. I've been curious about this since I've seen this frequently at the Korean market. There's 10 masks inside the packet. I noticed it's dry on top and it gets more moist as you get closer to the bottom where the essence is. It's an alright mask, but I wish it was moist from top to bottom. It also fits well to the face and I can feel the hydration.

Thank you sis-in-law!!! :)

I received this Physicians Formula Eyeshadow Palette from the Beautylish Event I attended last year.

I debated back then if I should keep it or not. The colors are gorgeous and I heard this one is extremely pigmented. It sounded good, but on the other hand I hardly use purple. :/ I forgot all about this until recently. I think it needs a better home than with me. For that reason, I want to give this away to one lucky reader who will use it more than I ever will. :)

The palette opens sideways and comes with a sponge.

Here's a closer look of the colors. It has different ranges of purple with one green.

How to enter:
1. You must be a public follower of my blog with Google username (I will check). PLEASE do not just follow for the giveaway and then once the giveaway is over, stop following. It's just not polite!!!
2. Open to everyone including international.
3. You must be 18 years or older. If you're younger than 18, please get your parent's permission.
4. You must answer the question, what improvements would you like to see on my blog?
5. The giveaway will end in three weeks, March 18, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST (Pacific time).
6. The winner will be drawn with a random number generator. You have 48 hours to contact me at aly_4realz (at) hotmail (dot) com or else a new winner will be chosen.

Extra entries:
1. If you follow my Facebook page, give me the username you are using to follow. (+2)
2. If you follow my Twitter, give me the username you are using to follow. (+1)
3. If you follow my Twitter and re-tweeted the giveaway, give me the link. (+2)
4. If you added the giveaway on the side bar of your blog, give me the link. (+1)
5. If you added a post but is on a separate giveaway page, give me the link. (+1)
6. If you added a post and is on the main page, give me the link. (+3)

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Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are freebies either given with purchase, gift, or in a swag bag. I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!!! I should say Happy belated Valentine's Day. When this is posted, Valentine's Day will be over. I hope you had a good one and doesn't mean you need another person to enjoy it. You can enjoy it with friends and families. :)

Monday, February 13, 2012

I received two products from Lashem to review. I already reviewed one product, Lashem Double Trouble Mascara. Please check out my thorough review on the mascara. :) For this post, I am going to review Lashem Measurable Difference Lash Gel. It's the most well known product from Lashem!

Description on the back: A revolutionary, high performance and gentle eyelash conditioner that promotes healthier, longer and fuller lashes without the irritation, clinically tested and dual patented, the Lashem formula contains a patented lipo oligopeptide and conditioning complex which fortifies lashes, masking them appear healthier and stronger.

Lashem also contains panthenol (pro-viatmin B-5), biotin, cranberry and goji berry extracts to nourish your lashes and make them appear glossy and shiny in texture.

Ingredients:

Thoughts: I was extremely excited to receive this product!!! The first time I heard about this product was during a commercial. An actress mentioned how her lashes grew with this product. Ever since then I wanted to try this product, but did not want to pay for a product I did not know if it worked or not. Given the opportunity to try it, I could not refuse.

It's a simple packaging, silver metallic, and it reminds me of a mascara. I sometimes grab it accidentally whenever I'm in a rush to put mascara on. :X

The outside might look like a mascara, but the inside does not. It looks more like a liquid eyeliner, but it's not. At first, it felt weird using this. I was used to using the mascara wands like a lot of drugstores conditioning products. After awhile, I got used to it. If I had to choose between this or a mascara wand type, I say it doesn't matter at this point as long as they do their job.

One thing I liked about this product compared to drugstores eyelash conditioning is that you only need to apply once a day. I did it every night before heading to bed. The drugstores eyelash conditioning from my experience recommended you to use it mornings and nights. Even though it's recommended to use mornings, I still did not. It's because the conditioning product kept my lashes moist making it difficult to put mascaras. I love that this product only recommends you to apply once a day. I think it's best to put it on nights but that's my opinion. :) I just looked on the website and it recommends you use it twice, mornings and nights. The packaging says, "do not apply more than once daily." I do not know why there's a contradiction between the packaging and the website. :/ Oh well, I still used it once a day and probably will continue.

Edit: The PR told me originally it was recommended once a day, but it is okay twice a day. That's why they wrote that on the website.

I guess before I talk about the product, I should mention what kind of lashes I have. I don't have short lashes, but I do not have extremely long. This one particular biology class in college recommended us to measure our partner's lashes to see if we fit into short or long lashes. I fit in the long lashes but I barely passed. I have the typical Asian lashes, strict straight and on the thin side.

I noticed after couple of weeks my lashes looked longer by my naked eyes. It's also noticeable through my glasses at night. In the beginning, my lashes would not touch the glass. Towards a month, I noticed it would touch and it bothered me at times. I think that's a good indication that my lashes grew. Other than length-wise, I did not notice thick-wise.

2. Put a drop of polish on the pattern you want, then use the scraper spread the nail polish evenly.

3. Press the stamp on the pattern, and then print it on your nails.

Thoughts: The first template I received from Born Pretty I had such a great experience! You can check out my review on the first template. For that reason, I wanted another template and this is the one I got. I was really excited about this template. I love all the patterns. :)

Here's how it looks on the stamper. By the way, the stamper does not come with this template. I got the stamper from the first template I received. It's easy to apply nail polish on the template, as well as, grab onto the stamper. :)

Here's how my nails look with the same design. I did not use the black unfortunately. I know it would had looked better, but my co-worker borrowed the black nail polish I own. I thought it would look good with dark blue, navy color and I think it came out fine. :)

I actually found it harder to work this template except for the two flowers on the side. It had nothing to do with the template, but myself. :X For some odd reason, I could not pattern it on my nails correctly. It was either too high, too low, too to the right, or too to the left. If you know how to pattern it correctly, then you will not have problems. After trying this many times on my fingers, I figured a way that works for me. If it works for me, does not mean it will work for others but it wouldn't hurt to try. ;) It's recommended to move from one to the other side of the stamper. I actually put it right in the middle and move to one side then the other.

I also noticed the edges of the pattern are on the thin side. Whenever I put the stamper on my finger, the edges would not stick on my nail. It just floats in the air if that makes sense. For that reason, sometimes I had to get rid of the edges because I could not work it. Look at the top part of my ring finger. You can see what difficulties I had. I strongly believe with practice you will be able to work it. I just did not have the patience and gave up too easily. With practice it will look good, and I have seen nails that look great with this template!

Pros:

* Comes with 5 patterns.

* Cute patterns.

* Can use any thick nail polishes.

* Gorgeous if mastered the patterns.

Cons:

* Hard to find in stores.

* Need stamper and scraper.

* Edges of the pattern are thin.

* Edges does not stick too well.

* Need a lot of practice.

Would repurchase: Yes.

Rating: 3/5 Tobey's Paws

Born Pretty is kind enough to give my readers 10% off with the code "ALYJ61" on your purchase.

Thank you Born Pretty! :)

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are given to me to review. I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Finger Paints in Twisted: It was my favorite flake of the month. In all honesty, it's probably my favorite flakes of all time. This multi-colored flakes cannot beat any other. I posted a swatch, as well as, NOTW on top of black nail polish. It's gorgeous! Since my co-worker spilled the polish, I have less than half the polish. I'm just sad I cannot find another one! :(

Aveeno Smart Essentials Nighttime Moisture Infusion: It's been my go to moisturizer for daytime, even though, it says for nighttime. There's no rule you have to use it only for nighttime. ;) It's been helping with my dry, ashy winter weather skin. I low how thick and moisturizing it is. I'll be reviewing this soon.

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing: For years I avoided this product, because I thought it would be too rough on the skin. I strongly did not believe in being rough on your skin especially your face. It would cause dryness, as well as, be more easily pruned to wrinkles. I did not want to age quicker than I needed to. I wanted to prevent aging, but I was wrong! After using this product, I noticed it was not rough and it actually cleansed my face. I could see the dirt on the brush and my skin felt better. The best part I saw improvements with each use. I will review this as well.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in #25 Bad to the Bronze: It's been my go to product of the month! It's so easy to use, simple, and the best part quick. I apply UDPP and then with my finger apply this color. I don't need any other eyeshadows, and the best part it does not crease. I will be reviewing all my Color Tattoo in a future post.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in #25 Peach Parfait: I've been enjoying Lip Butters like everyone else at the moment. I don't think it's the most moisturizing product, but it does help me. Any help with my chapped lips is a big plus for me especially with this winter weather! Not only does it moisturize, I love that it has colors. It feels like I'm wearing lipgloss. ;) My favorite at the moment and my go to color is Peach Parfait. It's very natural and I think it looks great on me. I will review and post swatches of all the ones I have in a future post.

January Finished Products

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair: I've been using this for years. I use a lot of products for my skin (toner, serum, moisturizer), and I see improvements. It can be a combination of products, but the most important thing is that I see improvements. That should be the only thing that matters. I strongly believe in serums, but no clue which ones are good since it's not noticeable. If it was as easy as let's say moisturizer, looking for hydration but it's not.

Would repurchase: Yes, I have another on the side but it was a gift.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Eye Illuminator: I love the smell of this product, as well as, the cooling sensation on the eye area. This eye gel/cream is definitely more for younger aged skin, and I definitely recommend it for teenagers and young adults. For myself, I need something more thicker to battle my wrinkles. :( I enjoyed this product while it lasted. Check out my thorough review on this product.

Would repurchase: No, not for me since I need a thicker product. I definitely recommend this product.

The Body Shop Body Butter in Merry Cranberry: For the people who have been reading my blog for a long time knows I love the body butter from The Body Shop! It's thick, moisturizing, and the best part made from natural ingredients. I go through these products like crazy, but all worth it. My favorite flavor at the moment has to be strawberry but Merry Cranberry smells great too! You can read my thorough review on the body butter.

Would repurchase: Yes, definitely! I actually have quite a lot waiting to be used by me. Thanks to a wonderful friend who got me these as gifts. :)

The Healing Garden Relax Therapy in Green Tea: I received this in a gift set from a friend. She told me green tea was her favorite, and that she loved this product. When it came to fragrance, I thought it was okay. It's not fruity which I adore. Other than fruity flavored, I tend to not be drawn to it. It's an alright smell but not my favorite. Since it was a small sized body product, it made it easy to carry. For that reason, I used this as a hand moisturizer than an all over product. It's actually pretty moisturizing, but not thick enough for me for this winter weather. I think it's great for me for the fall weather.

Would repurchase: Maybe in other flavors.

L'occitane Shea Butter Dry Skin Hand Cream: I received this as a freebie, and I am thankful since I've been curious about this product for years. It's very thick which makes a great moisturizer for this dry, winter weather. It also makes a great size to carry in your purse. Check out my thorough review on this product.

Would repurchase: Maybe, I think it's a little bit costly for a small amount product.

Now for the Zoya Nail Polishes Giveaway winner...

it is...

#11...

Congratulations to Diana PaperDoll! :)

You have 48 hours to contact me with your name and address. E-mail me at aly_4realz (at) hotmail (dot) com. If you don't contact me within 48 hours, I will draw a new winner.

Thank you Verve 360 for the wonderful giveaway! :)

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are bought with my own money except for Aveeno, Estee Lauder, The Healing Garden, L'occitane, and pictures taken from the Zoya website. I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

I was fortunate to receive products from Lashem. I don't know about you guys, but I have always been curious about this brand! The first time I heard about this brand was in a commercial. An actress talking about how her lashes grew using the serum.

Thankfully, I receive the famous Measurable Difference Lash Gel to try. I also received the Double Trouble Mascara and a tote bag. I will review the Measurable Difference Lash Gel in a future post. For this post, I'm going to review Double Trouble Mascara.

Before I review the mascara, let me show you the tote bag. It's a sturdy, cloth bag with ropes as a handle. The handle reminds me of the "I'm NOT A Plastic bag" bag. Do you remember that bag or am I that old? :X If you can tell, I really like the handle. :)

Definition on the back: Double Trouble Mascara adds definition & intense dimension for seductive, sultry eyes. One end contains flexible fibers to give you luscious, voluptuous lashes. The other end gives you longer, fuller lashes. Double Trouble Mascara creates the illusion of bigger, bolder, beautiful lashes that go the distance.Ingredients:

Thoughts: To be honest, I wasn't too sure what to expect. I have never heard of this mascara. The first thing I did is read the description from the box. After reading the description, I was extremely excited! The mascara especially the Lengthening has fibers. One thing I love about Asian mascaras is that they have fibers. You can see the fibers on the wand, as well as, seeing your lashes lengthen as you use the mascara. I was hoping the same for this mascara!

The mascara has two ends.

One end of the mascara is the Volumizing; gives you luscious, voluptuous lashes. This is the first wand you use in the step or you can use it alone. You don't have to use both wands together. It is all up to you. I prefer to use both, but that's me. The first couple of times I used this wand it was on the dry side. I'm not too sure why but after couple of weeks, the wand got moist. It was easier to use when the wand was moist. When it comes to this wand, I did not notice much on my lashes. I think it'll be more noticeable on people with thin lashes especially light hairs.

The other end of the mascara is Lengthening; gives you longer, fuller lashes. This one has short, thin fibers. I can see it lengthening your lashes, but not by much. I think if they had more fibers, you can see the lashes grow. Nevertheless, it still does its job. I also noticed it's very moist. I'm not too sure why compared to the Volumizing. Since it's so moist, it weighed my Asian lashes down. If I had naturally curly lashes, it would have kept my lashes up. Unfortunately, I was born with straight thick lashes. For that reason, I wish they would make it waterproof. It'll be so much better for people like me.

Now for how the mascara looked on me. I used both wands on my lashes.

I noticed my lashes are a bit longer and thicker. I really like how black the mascara was. That definitely was a plus! :)

Pros:
* Contains fibers.
* Gets volume and length at the same time.
* Do not have to use both wands.
* Darkens the lashes black.
* Great for people with naturally curly lashes.